Corsair 24 (Sailstar) Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Corsair 24 is intertwined with the early history of Bristol Yachts, founded by Clint Pearson in 1964 after he left Pearson Yachts. Pearson's new venture began by acquiring Sailstar Yachts, bringing the Corsair 24 design under the umbrella of what would become Bristol Yachts. The boat's production started in 1964 and continued until 1983, with over 750 units built under both the Sailstar and Bristol brands.

The designer, Paul Coble, envisioned the Corsair 24 as a capable coastal cruiser, emphasizing roominess within its compact dimensions. This design philosophy aligned with Bristol's reputation for producing "overbuilt" and durable fiberglass vessels, a hallmark of their manufacturing ethos during that era. The Sailstar Corsair 24 was constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and a deck made of solid fiberglass, reflecting a commitment to robust construction.

The Corsair 24 featured a long keel hull type and a masthead sloop rig. Throughout its production, variations in the interior layout were offered, including a standard twin-settee arrangement with a V-berth forward, and a convertible dinette option with a galley opposite amidships and a single quarter berth aft. An inboard engine was also available as an option. Notably, Sailstar versions of the boat often used concrete for ballast, while later Bristol-branded versions typically incorporated lead ballast.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While the Corsair 24 is a smaller vessel, often recognized as a good coastal cruiser, it is generally described as seaworthy, if somewhat slow. Its long keel design contributes to a stable and predictable motion in a seaway, characteristic of many traditional cruisers of its era. Owners often find the boat to be a comfortable little cruiser. The boat's heavy displacement for its length suggests a solid feel on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 24.58 feet, the Corsair 24 is noted for its surprising roominess, which owners often highlight as one of its best features. The interior was available in at least two main configurations: a "standard" layout and a "dinette" layout. The standard arrangement typically included two straight settees in the main cabin and a V-berth in the bow. The dinette version featured a drop-down table that could convert into a berth, with a galley positioned opposite amidships and a single quarter berth aft. Depending on the layout, the Bristol 24 can sleep four or five people.

The interior finish often included satin-finished mahogany bulkheads and trim, complemented by a fiberglass headliner, contributing to a yacht-like appearance. A portable head was typically situated in a dedicated well, often behind a curtain, and could be moved to the cockpit for improved privacy. Storage space is generally considered adequate for coastal cruising needs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sailstar Corsair 24 (or Bristol 24) consistently praise its solid, overbuilt construction and its capabilities as a fantastic little coastal cruiser. Many appreciate the traditional design and the robust build quality that has allowed these vessels to endure for decades. The active community of owners further attests to the boat's lasting appeal, often sharing experiences related to maintenance and restoration.

However, common maintenance issues that owners frequently note include the chainplates, which run through the deck and are mounted on mahogany bulkheads in the forward cabin. Leaks in this area are a recurring problem that often requires re-bedding. Owners also mention that concrete-ballasted examples (often Sailstar versions) can have bilges that are up to the ballast. Despite these common issues, the enduring design and solid build quality make the Corsair 24 a sought-after option for those looking for a well-constructed and affordable sailboat.